Joanne E. Masopust is the former president of the Fell’s Point Community Organization, which consisted of businesses, licensed liquor establishments, and residences in Baltimore, Maryland. She held this position for a decade, serving from 2008 to 2018. As a social worker and community activist, she enjoyed a long career as a juvenile probation officer and always strived to put the interests of others above her own. She cares deeply about her community and never hesitated to speak her mind and do what was best for her clients.
Ms. Masopust started her career as a Baltimore City juvenile probation officer shortly after graduating from college and remained in this position for more than 30 years. Committed to serving her local area, she also contributed as a special needs teacher for a Sunday school program. In 2014, she was recognized for her charitable acts and volunteerism with a 9-11 Selfless Community Service Award.
Due to her remarkable service as a juvenile probation officer, Ms. Masopust earned the confidence and respect of the Baltimore public defender and the state’s attorney. Both came to trust and rely on her investigative reports and recommendations. Utilizing her experience with legal proceedings, Ms. Masopust supported her community by advocating on behalf of local businesses at liquor board hearings. She helped the Chesapeake Center for Education organize a gallery exhibition that allowed many juvenile delinquents and individuals struggling with mental health issues to work together, build community, and share their art and perspectives with each other. As an amateur photographer, Ms. Masopust exhibited some of her own work at the gallery.
For her achievements and dedication to serving her community, Ms. Masopust was featured in the Marquis Who’s Who Millennium Magazine and Who’s Who in America and was bestowed the Marquis Who’s Who Humanitarian Award. Among her professional highlights, she is especially proud of establishing the Fell’s Point “Evening of Gratitude,” which replaced the group’s regular meeting. At the event, awards were distributed to express gratitude to community partners. Ms. Masopust also instituted the “Circle of Gratitude,” in which each employee had to share things they were grateful for, building a stronger community and fostering honest communication. She takes equal pride in standing up for her community against the Maryland Department of Transportation’s efforts to remove parking and add a new traffic lane in her neighborhood.
Looking ahead, Ms. Masopust hopes to focus on her health and continue enjoying her life with her beloved cat. Looking back, she is gratified by her professional legacy of activism and community advocacy.
